Sitka Cloudburst vs Kuiu Chugach

[Outwest]

I am looking to replace my C4E Torrent jacket before September. I know, its only a month away!! Heck Yea!
Anyway, I really want a good, do it all rain shell. Weight isn't a huge concern, just a breathable, durable jacket and most importantly, totally and utterly waterproof. I have only had bad experiences with the rain gear I have so I want bomber waterproofness. I have narrowed it down to the Sitka Cloudburst or the Kuiu Chugach Jacket. I would really like to buy once and have it last for awhile and not have to replace it every other year. I am leaning towards the Cloudburst because of the Gore Tex reputation but the Chugach is 50$ cheaper and haven't read a bad review on it either. I also like the Optifade a little better than the Verde but thats just my inner diva talking.
Does anyone have any experience with these jackets and can share their experiences?

 

[md126]

I'd like to hear some information about these two jackets also. I'm looking at the same ones (& the Torrent C4E). What is the downside to the Torrent?

 

[voidecho]

I would think if weight is not a concern and you want it bombproof, you'd look at the Yukon over the Chugach if you're going to go KUIU.

 

[Outwest]

Well, I went with the kuiu chugach mainly because of the price savings and I couldn't really find a bad review on it. I looked at the Yukon but decided I wouldn't be in my rain gear all the time so it might be a little overkill.
Md126,
I bought the torrent last year before elk season, I had never used it before we got caught in a little squall while elk hunting. Rain soaked in around the head and shoulders. When I got back, I looked at the inside and there were small holes all over the back. It still funtions as a wind shell and it's quiet, but not for rain.

 

[Pronghunter]

I own the Stormfront, Cloudburst and Dewpoint. Hands down my favorite is the Dewpoint. Not only is it crazy light, but its actually extremly tuff as well. Dont be fooled by the weight. While the Sormfront is nice too, I only use it when going to Canada or Alaska hunting through heavy hard brush. Its a little heavy, loud, and very hard. If wieghts not an issue, the Cloudburst is nice but way too warm for early elk hunting. I even preferthe Cloudburst over the Sormfront. While I cant speak on Kuiu or First Lite, I can tell you the Dewpoint is a winner and I beat the hell out of my Sitka every year.

 

[Outwest]

I own the Stormfront, Cloudburst and Dewpoint. Hands down my favorite is the Dewpoint. Not only is it crazy light, but its actually extremly tuff as well. Dont be fooled by the weight. While the Sormfront is nice too, I only use it when going to Canada or Alaska hunting through heavy hard brush. Its a little heavy, loud, and very hard. If wieghts not an issue, the Cloudburst is nice but way too warm for early elk hunting. I even preferthe Cloudburst over the Sormfront. While I cant speak on Kuiu or First Lite, I can tell you the Dewpoint is a winner and I beat the hell out of my Sitka every year.

Thanks for the reply, I ended up returning the Kuiu so now I am back in the market. My want is to have a jacket that I can wear in a lot of different situations (i.e. rain, wind, snow, cold morning), not just a have it when I need it rain shell. I want to stay around or the 20 oz mark as far as weight goes.

How would you compare the durability of the cloudburst to the stormfront or dewpoint? As far as waterproofness, how do they all compare?

 

[Matt W.]

I've tested most of the rain gear from the hunting companies. KUIU Chugach, KUIU Yukon, First Lite Stormtight, Sitka Dewpoint, Sitka Stormfront, Sitka Coldfront, Kyrptek Koldo, and Kryptek Poseidon, and few others from Marmot, Patagonia, Cloudviel, Helly Hansen and others.

IMHO, The key to picking out rain gear is determined by how much time you will actually spend in the rain gear measured against the need to remain dry. Once you have figured that, you throw in your method of hunting and exertion and go from there.

For light weight backpacking the Sitka Dewpoint is hard to beat. Luke and Becca run a similar weight jacket that features eVent technologies that they really like. There is not much else out there where you can get an entire set of rain gear (top & Bottom) in the 20-24oz range. I have punished my Dewpoint gear and it comes through with flying colors. Luke and Becca provide similar reviews on their light weight stuff. (I think they use the Westcomb, but can't recall for sure).

If weight does not matter, but you still need breath-ability you can move up to heavier gear. If breath-ability is not as critical you can look at rubberized rain gear and what not.

For guys who want to run one set of rain gear in the middle of the weight spectrum, its hard to beat the First Lite Stormtight. Its not the lightest or the burliest, but it performs, is durable, and is a great set for the guy who wants one set of rain gear. The Chugach and a variety of non hunting company options also compete with this mindset.

When it comes to TOUGH, hardcore rain gear, the choice again is dependent on your use and terrain.

Hope that helps and feel free to PM if you have more questions. We can talk over the phone or something if that helps.

 

[Outwest]

I've tested most of the rain gear from the hunting companies. KUIU Chugach, KUIU Yukon, First Lite Stormtight, Sitka Dewpoint, Sitka Stormfront, Sitka Coldfront, Kyrptek Koldo, and Kryptek Poseidon, and few others from Marmot, Patagonia, Cloudviel, Helly Hansen and others.

IMHO, The key to picking out rain gear is determined by how much time you will actually spend in the rain gear measured against the need to remain dry. Once you have figured that, you throw in your method of hunting and exertion and go from there.

For light weight backpacking the Sitka Dewpoint is hard to beat. Luke and Becca run a similar weight jacket that features eVent technologies that they really like. There is not much else out there where you can get an entire set of rain gear (top & Bottom) in the 20-24oz range. I have punished my Dewpoint gear and it comes through with flying colors. Luke and Becca provide similar reviews on their light weight stuff. (I think they use the Westcomb, but can't recall for sure).

If weight does not matter, but you still need breath-ability you can move up to heavier gear. If breath-ability is not as critical you can look at rubberized rain gear and what not.

For guys who want to run one set of rain gear in the middle of the weight spectrum, its hard to beat the First Lite Stormtight. Its not the lightest or the burliest, but it performs, is durable, and is a great set for the guy who wants one set of rain gear. The Chugach and a variety of non hunting company options also compete with this mindset.

When it comes to TOUGH, hardcore rain gear, the choice again is dependent on your use and terrain.

Hope that helps and feel free to PM if you have more questions. We can talk over the phone or something if that helps.

PM sent